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sugar

SweetenersYear-round. Refined sugar is a shelf-stable commodity product available continuously; however, specialty sugars such as fresh cane juice and maple syrup have distinct seasonal availability tied to harvest periods.

Sugar is primarily composed of carbohydrates providing approximately 4 calories per gram, with negligible protein, fat, or micronutrients in refined white sugar. Specialty sugars such as muscovado and coconut sugar contain trace minerals including potassium and iron, though in nutritionally insignificant quantities.

About

Sugar is a simple carbohydrate (monosaccharide or disaccharide) that serves as a fundamental sweetening agent in culinary applications worldwide. The most common culinary sugar is sucrose, a disaccharide derived from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) or sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), which is extracted, refined, and crystallized into granulated form. Sucrose comprises glucose and fructose units bonded together and represents approximately 99.9% purity in refined white sugar.\n\nSugar exists in multiple forms beyond granulated white sugar, including brown sugar (sucrose with molasses), muscovado (moist, mineral-rich), demerara, and turbinado (large-crystal varieties), as well as other sweetening sources such as honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Each variety possesses distinct moisture content, crystal size, and residual mineral profiles that influence flavor and culinary properties. Chemically, sugar is highly soluble in water and undergoes transformation when heated—caramelizing at elevated temperatures and undergoing the Maillard reaction when combined with proteins.

Culinary Uses

Sugar functions as a fundamental ingredient across all culinary traditions, serving roles that extend far beyond simple sweetening. In baking, it modifies texture (providing moisture and tenderness), promotes browning through caramelization and the Maillard reaction, and contributes to structure through its hygroscopic properties. In confectionery, precise heating and crystallization techniques transform sugar into syrups, caramels, fondant, and pulled sugar sculptures. Sugar also functions as a preservative in jams and pickles, balances acidity in sauces, and enhances the perception of other flavors. It appears in savory applications including barbecue rubs, glazes, and Asian cooking, where balance between sweet and savory is essential.

Used In

Recipes Using sugar (2,800)

RCI-BV.008.0055.001

Maple Hot Chocolate

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0336.001

Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake

Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0113.001

Ma Po Tofu, Gravity's Guide

jpg One of the most well known dishes out of Sichuan province, firey hot, aromatic, and absolutely delicious. If you think you don't like tofu, you've never had this before. I mostly follow Fuchsia Dunlop's recipe with a few changes that I will mark.

RCI-DS.001.0338.001

Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake

Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0157.001

Marco Polo Steak Skillet

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.001.0368.001

Mardi Gras Salad

Makes 6 servings

Marinara Sauce
RCI-SC.001.0031.001

Marinara Sauce

(mariner's) sauce is a southern Italian tomato sauce usually made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs (such as basil), and onion.

RCI-VG.001.0372.001

Marinated Cole Slaw

Makes 1 gallon.

RCI-VG.001.0376.001

Marinated Garden Salad

Makes 4 servings

RCI-SF.001.0234.001

Marinated Salmon with Balsamic

Part of Hopper's entry in Iron Chef SA 028:Balsamic Battle

RCI-VG.001.0377.001

Marinated Tomatoes

It serves 6 people. To serve, layer half the lettuce, cilantro and drained tomatoes in a serving bowl, then repeat layers.

RCI-VG.004.0837.001

Marinated Vegetables

Marinated Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0378.001

Marinated Vegetable Salad

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-DS.003.0204.001

Marshmallow Easter Eggs

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.003.0205.001

Marshmallows dipped in Caramel and Nuts

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mrs. Willi

RCI-SN.002.0204.001

Maruya

Golden banana fritter known as "maruya" in the Philippines.

RCI-DS.004.0178.001

Mascarpone Glazed Strawberries

Mascarpone Glazed Strawberries from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0069.001

Mascarpone Mac N' Cheese

Folding in unsweetened whipped cream makes it light and airy.

RCI-RC.006.0080.001

Masfouf de tunis (tunisian sweet snack)

Masfouf de tunis (tunisian sweet snack) Yield: 6 Servings

RCI-BR.004.0337.001

Mashed Carrot Casserole

This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0274.001

Masi Samoa

Masi Samoa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0156.001

Massa Sovada

Portugese Sweet Bread Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SF.001.0238.001

Matjeri Masala

Matjeri Masala from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0094.001

Matzo Mango Kugel

Matzo Mango Kugel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0119.001

Matzo Meal Latkes

Matzo Meal Latkes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0120.001

Matzo Meal Pancakes

These are kosher for Passover

RCI-SN.002.0205.001

May Day Cookies Tippaleivät

May Day Cookies Tippaleivät

RCI-BR.005.0410.001

Mazurka II

In Romanian: Mazurka II

RCI-EG.003.0095.001

Mazurka with Chocolate and Whipped Cream

In Romanian: Mazurca cu ciocolata si frisca

RCI-BR.005.0413.001

Mbatata Cookies

Malawi is known as the "warm heart of Africa" due to the friendliness of Malawian people. These cookies can be cut in the shape of hearts to commemorate the Malawian people.

RCI-MT.005.0172.001

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Onion, Garlic and Spices

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings

RCI-ND.006.0048.001

Meatless Lasagna

Meatless Lasagna a vegetarian take on a large pasta based meal.

RCI-SP.006.0042.001

Meat Okroshka

Meat Okroshka from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0061.001

Mediterranean Pizza

Meterranean Pizza from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—oiginal source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 12

RCI-MT.004.0570.001

Mediterranean Turkey and Eggplant Stir-fry

Mediterranean Turkey and Eggplant Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0862.001

Mee Goreng

Mee Goreng A Classic Mamak stir fry. Lots of fresh vegetables, a little minced mutton and high heat. The result? A dish with just a touch of the desired flavourful burnt. Served with a side dish of fresh cucumber and tomato sauce ... hmm ...

RCI-BR.007.0083.001

Melfoof

Melfoof from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0200.001

Melktert I

Melktert. Good traditional Zambian and South African custard pie recipe. Try it! This is no Quick Melktert (microwave) recipe. This is the game traditional Zambian way.

RCI-BV.007.0089.001

Melon-Papaya Batido

Melon-Papaya Batido from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0182.001

Melon Salad

Most Zambian people always have a number of salads to compliment the meats. To serve, decorate with mint sprig. The salad is no exception.

RCI-SN.001.0248.001

Melons with Sweet California Avocado Dip

Melons with Sweet California Avocado Dip from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0096.001

Mennonite Chicken Dumpling Casserole

This is an AWESOME recipe - strong basil flavor! Hope you enjoy this as much as we do! A traditional comfort food - great on those cool winter days and nights! ENJOY!

RCI-BR.004.0339.001

Merengue Layered Cake

In Romanian: Tort bezea

Meringues
RCI-DS.003.0210.002

Meringues

are crunchy confections made from whipped egg whites and sugar. In Germany and Austria (but not in France) they are called Baiser (from French kiss). Served with whipped cream, they are a traditional dessert in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.

RCI-DS.001.0342.001

Meringue-topped Pineapple Rice Pudding

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.005.0415.001

Mexican Biscochito Cookies

Mexican Biscochito Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0213.001

Mexican Orange Fudge

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

RCI-BR.001.0157.001

Micha Bread

Micha Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0342.001

Microwave Chocolate Cake

A quick and easy chocolate cake recipe made in the microwave.

RCI-DS.003.0214.001

Microwave Fudge

Contributed by Paula in California via Catsrecipes Y-Gro